But starting right after graduation, Carmello began a life in the theater that so far has included a dozen Broadway shows and three nominations for Tony Awards.

Although her daughter is now studying business, at New York University, Carmello, 51, doubts the girl will follow her mother's example and switch to a performing career.

"I think she wants something more stable," says Carmello, who will perform a recital of Broadway songs Tuesday night at UAlbany's Performing Arts Center as part of a week of festivities that will culminate with the inauguration of Robert J. Jones as the 19th president of the university.

Says Carmello, who is married to fellow Broadway performer Gregg Edelman, "She watched what her parents went through, how so many actors are always looking for their next job, and I think she thinks (business) is a field that will provide her with more security."

Carmello is happy with that direction. When she sits down with UAlbany theater students Tuesday prior to her recital, she expects to tell them the frank realities of working in professional musical theater: "Despite my (success), I still have trouble getting a job," she says, noting that she's been basically unemployed since her last show, "Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson," closed after just two months on Broadway last fall.

She says, "I'll tell them, 'Don't do it unless it's the only thing that you can imagine yourself being happy doing; if there's anything else, choose that. ... I wouldn't feel responsible just saying, 'Follow your dreams; anyone can do it,' because I don't really believe that in my heart."

In her recital, performed with a piano accompanist, Carmello will sings tunes from past shows she's been in, including "Les Miserable," "Kiss Me, Kate," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Mamma Mia," "Scandalous" and "Lestat," a vampire musical by Elton John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin that was based on Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles." After it flopped on Broadway in 2006, producers decided to not release the original cast album, although Carmello and her colleagues had already recorded it.

"The songs (represent) lots of different characters I've loved over the years," she says. "Some will be familiar to people, but I'm hoping others will be nice surprises."